We, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, Do, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be Colonel of the Second Battalion of North Carolina Troops, in the Army of the United Colonies raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of Colonel by doing and performing all Manner of Things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command to be obedient to your Orders as Colonel, and you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress for that Purpose appointed
the United Colonies, or any other you
in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you
or a future Congress. Philadelphia
[The original paper is here mutilated.]